hey guys my car wont start. I have a 1993 3.4L V6 camaro. when i turn the ignition it wont even turn over i think something is running the battery down, because the car starts when it is jump started then i turn it off and wait a day and it wont start again. lights come on when i put the key in but they are dim like something has been running them down but they never go completely out. [sm=dontgetit.gif] so SOMEONE HELP ME OUT PLEASE
thanks shiby

 

Could be a bad battery, a bad alternator, or something staying on when it should be off. Make sure all lights go off, including the one in the glove box.

 

yes i took the light bulb out of the glove box. what would signs be that the alternator is bad.

 

Check alternator output voltage with a voltmeter across battery posts. Turn on all lights, AC, radio, etc.. With engine running at about 2000 RPM the voltage should be around 14 Volt. (Verify that belt is not slipping)If voltage is good, then the battery may not be holding a charge, or there is something drawing current when the ignition key is off. You could also take the alternator and battery to a parts shop, such as Auto Zone and have them tested for free.

To test for excessive drain with ignition key off:
1) Turn everything off & check for any foreign wires being strapped directly to the battery
2) Disconnect negative battery cable.
3) Connect an ammeter between Neg battery post and the cable that was disconnected from the battery. ( + lead to batt negative post, - lead to cable that was disconnected)
4) Current draw should be less than 200 MilliAmp. This is a normal parasitic draw.
5) If current draw is excessive, remove one fuse at a time until the excessive draw stops.
6) Get a set wiring diagrams and follow the wire from the fuse & see what the fuse is feeding. It could be whatever is connected to the wire or a short in the wire itself.